Lipscomb University - Backlog Yearbook (Nashville, TN)

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History RADUAL progressive development is a law of nature. David Lips- comb College had a very small beginning; it began with nine young men, October 5, 1891. No name was given ‘this seemingly insignificant school. However, soon after this it received the name “Nashville Bible School,” as thirty- two were enrolled during the first year. Forty-two were enrolled the second year, and fifty-two were en- rolled the third year. This data is given to show that the growth of this institution has been gradual, yet substantial. The first session was begun in a rented house on Fillmore Street. The second year it was moved to South Cherry Street, and that year also it occupied a rented house. The next move was to South Spruce Street, or what is now called Eighth Avenue, South. Here it owned its first building. It continued here until the fall of 1903, at which time is was moved to its present location. Again we see the law of development. It began in a rented house and now occupies five modern, commodious buildings which are owned by the College. The executive feature of the institution also has conformed to the law of progressive development. Brother James A. Harding was at the head of the school when it began. He assumed no title, neither was he given any title the first year. Later, he was called the Superintendent of the school. The regular faculty for the year 1894-95 consisted of only five teachers—David Lipscomb, J. A. Harding , J. W. Grant, J..S. Ward-and WA. Bryans No titles or degrees were used in connection with the names of the members of the faculty, “though all of them had college degrees. J. A. Harding is usually called the first President of the College: However, he was not designated i in the catalogues as President, but as Superintendent. Brother Harding severed his connection with the school in 1901 and went to Bowling Green, Ky., and William Anderson came the same year and was designated as Superintendent of the school. He remained with the school until his death in 1905. He was placed in the catalogues of those years as Superintendent of the school. E. A. Elam came to the school in 1906, and was designated in the catalogue as Superintendent until 1908. The catalogue of 1908-09 gives E. A. Elam as President of the school. This is the first year that the chief executive of the school is called “President.” Correctly speak- ing, E. A. Elam was the first “President” of the institution. ‘At first there was no definite outline of courses offered, and no attempt was made to conform to any standard of education. Emphasis was placed upon the Bible and such other studies as would help one understand the Bible. The Bible has been the chief textbook of every student for thirty-three years. Emphasis has been placed upon the moral and spiritual development of its students. The College now enjoys a high rating among educational institutions. It has standard courses and is an ‘accredited college. Its enrollment has grad- ually increased from year to year. There are twenty-five members of the faculty and an enrollemnt of above three hundred students. Seventeen States and Canada are represented in its student body. It is now enjoying the greatest year of its history. It maintains an A-1 grade high school and offers four years of collegiate work. a

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